Choose an open-weave fabric for the background. It will strain the ribbon less, adding dimension.

Mark only necessary areas of pattern, so the stitching will cover the lines.

Press ribbons before you start stitching to remove creases.

Work with ribbon cut to 12 to 14 inches, to prevent wear on ribbon.

Pull gently on the ribbon as you stitch so stitches remain full. If you pull too hard, the stitches will lose dimension.

Cut ribbon ends at an angle to prevent fraying.

Thread ribbon through needle eye. To secure it to the needle, pierce the center of the ribbon about ½ in. from the opposite end. Slide the short end up to the eye, then pull the long end of the ribbon, securing it (Fig. 6).

To knot long end, fold end of ribbon over ¼ in. and pierce with the needle’s tip. Pull needle and ribbon all the way through both thicknesses until a knot is formed (Fig. 7)

French knot, lazy daisy, stem and straight stitches are all formed as in other embroidery, but kept loose rather than taut.

For smooth stitches, keep a tapestry needle handy to hold ribbon in place when completing a stitch.